TDs have duty to legislate for abortion

The media reports a number of TDs are gearing up to oppose any attempts to legislate for abortion in Ireland.

It may have escaped some of their notices, but the people of Ireland made a sovereign decision in the 1992 referendum that Dáil Éireann should legislate for the provision of abortion in Ireland, where the life of the mother was at risk. An attempt to overturn that decision was defeated in the 2002 referendum. The fact no legislation has been enacted is a reflection on the lack of integrity among members of the Oireachtas and is not due to the people of Ireland changing their minds. If anything, polls would indicate they have softened their stance considerably.

Some TDs might think their personal views on abortion are more important than the wishes of the people who elected them, but they are wrong. If they feel that strongly about the issue they are free to abstain in any Oireachtas vote, but they are not free to block the democratic decision of the Irish people.

It’s about time the Oireachtas did its duty and, as members of the Oireachtas, these TDs should follow the direct instructions of the people of Ireland, regardless of what their personal opinion on the matter is. That’s their job.

If they have a problem following the will of the people of Ireland when it doesn’t suit them, then perhaps they are not suitable people to be pursuing a career in politics.

Desmond FitzGerald

Canary Wharf

London